MARVEL COMICS FOR OCTOBER

Following are Marvel Comics' solicitations for October, with information coming from the company. The bulleted items are mandated by Marvel in order for The Continuum to use these materials.

SPIDER-MAN TITLES

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #500

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, penciled by John Romita Jr. & John Romita Sr., cover by J. Scott Campbell.

It's Peter Parker's birthday … but how do you throw a surprise party for someone with a Spider-sense? Someone figures out how and Spidey spends his special day looking back at his career and every villain he's faced over those years … against his will. A special story for Spidey fans new & old.

48 pages, $3.50.

(* Celebrate 500 issues of Amazing Spider-Man.)

(* Art by John Romita Jr. & Sr.)

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #47 & 48

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, cover and pencils by Mark Bagley.

"Unfair" pts. 1 and 2 of 6. The Kingpin of Crime is back - and he's got vengeance on his mind, commanding the entire Underworld to find out who Spider-Man really is - at all costs. And the Enforcers are only too happy to take him up on his demand.

32 pages, $2.25.

(* New story arc. Two issues.)

ULTIMATE SIX #3

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Trevor Hairsine, cover by John Cassaday.

The Six has escaped their S.H.I.E.L.D. holding pen, and the outlines of Norman Osborn's horrific scheme become apparent. The Ultimates line up against them! But where is Ultimate Spidey?

32 pages, $2.25.

(* The next 'Ultimate War' begins here.)

(* Spider-Man and The Ultimates cross over.)

DOCTOR OCTOPUS: NEGATIVE EXPOSURE #1

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Staz Johnson, cover by Tony Harris.

Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus face off in a brutal battle of egos. But Doc's got a secret weapon up his sleeve this time - Jeff Brasi, a staff photographer from the Daily Bugle who wants to know just how a stringer named Peter Parker always seems to get the front page...

32 pages, $2.99.

( * Featuring a cinematic new look for Doc Ock, designed by Humberto Ramos.)

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #5

Written by Paul Jenkins, cover and pencils by Humberto Ramos.

Eddie Brock is dying. His cancer has caught up to him and Venom has finally lost his ideal host. As Spidey tries to understand why Eddie has hated him all these years, he's forced to make an ultimate decision... Should Spidey save Eddie's life - allowing Venom to live?

32 pages, $2.25.

( * Best-selling new series guest-stars Venom.)

SPIDER-GIRL #65

Written by Tom DeFalco, cover and pencils by Ron Frenz.

"Marked for Death!" pt. 5 of 6. Mayday is forced into a battle against the mysterious foes that have already killed one cast member. With the body count on the rise, Spider-Girl is not pulling any punches.

32 pages, $2.99.

KINGPIN #5

Written by Bruce Jones, art by Sean Phillips and Klaus Janson, cover by Tony Harris.

The stakes in New York's mob war are raised as Wilson Fisk's former lieutenant, Rocko, begins a brutal revenge campaign against his old boss. With control of the 5 Boroughs at stake, how will Fisk rise to power when the Five Families and a former lieutenant want to see him dead?

32 pages, $2.50.

X-MEN TITLES

NYX #1

Written by Joe Quesada, cover and pencils by Josh Middleton.

Say hello to a pack of New York City gutterpunks, the likes of which the Marvel Universe has never seen. The X-Men's dream has always been one of creating hope from despair - in a young mutant's darkest hour Charles Xavier will always be just around the corner, ready with open arms and a helping hand. But Xavier can't be everywhere at once. What becomes of a group of young mutants that have to rely on themselves for everything from food to shelter to love? Wayward angels with dirty faces who, instead of preparing for Magneto's next big assault, must learn to survive in the cold, harsh world of the city that never sleeps.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Written by Joe Quesada.)

(* New ongoing series.)

ULTIMATE X-MEN #38

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, covers and pencils by David Finch.

"Blockbuster" pt. 5 of 6. A wounded Wolverine is taken to the X-Mansion to prevent further attacks from his unknown assailants. Probing deep into Logan's mind to try and uncover clues to the source of the attack, Professor Xavier picks up on one strong image … of something called Weapon X.

32 pages, $2.25.

( * "Blockbuster" is Wizard's No. 1 comic event of the summer.)

X-STATIX #15

Written by Peter Milligan, cover and pencils by Mike Allred.

"Di Another Day," pt. 3 of 5. Princess Diana is back from the dead and on her comeback tour - and driving the X-Statix crazy. Can the fame-hungry team of super-mutants take a backseat to Ms. Spencer's white-hot celebrity - especially when she becomes team leader?

32 pages, $2.99.

WOLVERINE #6

Written by Greg Rucka, penciled by Darick Robertson, cover by Esad Ribic.

"So, this priest walks into a bar…" A self-contained issue featuring Nightcrawler.

32 pages, $2.25.

(* Stand-alone issue starring Nightcrawler).

NEW X-MEN #148

Written by Grant Morrison, cover and pencils by Phil Jimenex.

"Planet X" pt. 3 of 5. The shocking mystery threat revealed in issue #146 continues to take its toll upon Professor Xavier and the X-Men. With the team broken and disbanded, are their chances for survival dwindling?

32 pages, $2.25.

UNCANNY X-MEN #432

Written by Chuck Austen, cover and pencils by Philip Tan.

"The Drace," pt. 4 of 6. Nightcrawler takes one step closer to discovering the true origins of his family...

32 pages, $2.25.

X-TREME X-MEN #32 & 33

Written by Chris Claremont, pencils by Igor Kordey, covers by Salvador Larroca.

"Intifada" pts. 2 and 3 of 5. As the X-Treme team gets closer to the heart of Intifada, they realize that there is more to this mutant dilemma than they previously thought. Plus, a surprise guest star.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Two issues)

(* Rogue and Gambit return)

NEW MUTANTS #6

Written by Christina Weir & Nunzio Defillipis, penciled by Keron Grant, cover by Josh Middleton.

In the ultimate showdown with the Reavers, the New Mutants put their powers to the test and discover a potential new teammate. But when the kids encounter a danger from within, will they band together to become a team or will they be overwhelmed by a power that is too dark and great to handle?

32 pages, $2.50.

WEAPON X #14

Written by Frank Tieri, cover and pencils by Georges Jeanty.

This stand-alone story features the return of Mister Sinister.

32 pages, $2.99.

WEAPON X #15

Written by Frank Tieri, cover and pencils by Georges Jeanty.

An X-Man joins the Weapon X team in this start of a new story arc.

32 pages, $2.99.

( * New story arc.)

EXILES #35 & 36

Written by Judd Winnick, covers and pencils by Clayton Henry.

"Fantastic Voyage" pts. 1 and 2 of 3. The Exiles encounter an alternate world version of the Fantastic Four! But a startling secret at the heart of this FF may mean devastation for our heroes.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New story arc. Two issues.)

EMMA FROST #4

Written by Karl Bollers, penciled by Randy Green, cover by Greg Horn.

"Higher Learning," pt. 4 of 6. Vacationing with her family in Peru, young Emma Frost discovers her newfound mutant powers aren't the only secret that her family is keeping! The perils and thrills of being a mutant set in as Emma slowly blossoms into the dangerous and seductive X-Man of today.

32 pages, $2.50.

AGENT X #15

Written by Gail Simone, cover and pencils by UDON.

Final issue. It's the end of the road for Agent X... but could that ending mean a new beginning for the long-lost merc known as Deadpool? And what will be the final fate of the man named Alex Hayden?

32 pages, $2.99.

MARVEL HEROES TITLES

IRON MAN #73

Written by John Jackson Miller, penciled by Jorge Lucas, cover by Joe Jusko.

"The Best Defense," pt. 1 of 6. The new regular creative team of John Jackson Miller and Mystique's Jorge Lucas debut. Tony Stark gave up building weapons for the U.S. Military years ago, but tired of missiles that miss their targets and planes that ARE easy targets, the government wants him back. But Tony sets one shocking condition: that he be named Secretary of Defense of the United States! Why does Tony want the job and what does this mean for his armored alter ego? And is this the start of a new Armor War? Find out in this launch of a new Tom Clancy-esque, techno-thriller Iron Man era.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Guest-starring Captain America.)

(* New creative team, new direction.)

HAWKEYE #1

Written by Fabian Nicieza, penciled by Stefano Rafaelle, cover by Paolo Rivera.

"The High, Hard Shaft," pt. 1. From carnival roustabout to petty thief to troublemaking hero, one thing about ex-Avenger and Thunderbolt Clint Barton has never changed: he's a sucker for a lost cause. His travels in search of the world's best chili take Hawkeye out of spandex and into the real world problems of real world losers. Call Hawkeye the ongoing series, "hard-boiled fiction with an adrenaline kick" - Elmore Leonard meets John Woo! Exotic locations, offbeat characters, sleazy morals and sleazier motives … and a hero who's not afraid to get his hands dirty...

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New ongoing series.)

THANOS #1

Written, penciled and cover by Jim Starlin.

The most powerful, enigmatic villain in the Marvel Universe takes center stage in a galaxy-spanning new ongoing series by his creator, Jim Starlin. He's held ultimate power in his hands, only to see it all slip away time and again. His attempts at conquest and destruction have all been thwarted. So what inner demons drive the mad Titan known as Thanos towards his goals … and what hidden desires pull at his heart and mind now?

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New ongoing series.)

AVENGERS #73 & 74

Written by Geoff Johns, covers and pencils by Scott Kolins.

"Search For She-Hulk," pts. 2 and 3 of 4. While the Avengers continue to search the globe for her, Jennifer Walters seeks the one person on Earth who can help control her transformations. Featuring the return of the most demanded Avenger of all.

32 pages, $2.25.

( * Two big issues reunite Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.)

FANTASTIC FOUR #505

Written by Mark Waid, pencils by Howard Porter, cover by Tony Harris and Tom Feister.

"Authoritative Action," pt. 3 of 6. As American forces mass on the border of Latveria, the Fantastic Four are named traitors to the United States.

32 pages, $2.25.

( * Guest-starring Nick Fury.)

THOR #70

Written by Dan Jurgens, cover and pencils by Scot Eaton.

"The Reigning," pt. 2. A character from the present is thrust into the future. What will he make of the world Thor has constructed from the ruins of Earth and Asgard … and how will his presence change the balance of power?

32 pages, $2.99.

INCREDIBLE HULK #62

Written by Bruce Jones, cover and pencils by Mike Deodato.

"Split Decisions," pt. 3 of 6. As Bruce Banner flees New York City to the desert home of his former lover and colleague Nadia Blonsky, Home Base unleashes yet another sinister plan to destroy The Hulk. Beware Operation Krill.

32 pages, $2.25.

HULK: NIGHTMERICA #5

Written by Robin Laws, painted cover and interiors by Brian Ashmore.

The finest minds in the world have tried and failed to cure Bruce Banner of the awful curse of the Hulk. But, perhaps, at long last, in the depths of the Nightmerica Compound, that long sought cure may have finally been found. But is it simply an act of pure benevolence, or is there hidden agenda behind it all?

32 pages, $2.99.

CREW #6

Written by Priest, penciled by Joe Bennett, cover by J.H. Williams.

"Big Trouble in Little Mogadishu," pt. 6 of 7. They've got their act together and their story straight … now it's time for The Crew to take it to the streets and strike back - assuming that they can trust one another, that is…

32 pages, $2.99.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #15

Written by Peter David, penciled by Paul Azaceta, cover by Neal Adams.

With an intergalactic empire headed by the Shi'ar and the Kree on the verge of conquering the galaxy, Captain Marvel gives them 7 days to get their affairs in order... because he's going to kill them all.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Neal Adams cover.)

(* New story arc.)

INHUMANS #6

Written by Sean McKeever, penciled by Matthew Clark, cover by J.H. Williams.

"Culture Shock," pt. 3 of 3. Just as the Inhumans start to find their place on Earth, one of their own makes a choice that could turn humanity against them.

32 pages, $2.50.

SILVER SURFER #4

Written by Stacy Weiss and Dan Chariton, cover and pencils by MILX.

"Communion," pt. 4 of 6. Armageddon is coming ... is the Silver Surfer constructing the means of mankind's survival, or the weapon of its ultimate destruction?

32 pages, $2.25.

VENOM #6 & 7

Written by Daniel Way, penciled by Paco Medina, cover by Medina and Sam Kieth.

On the loose from an Arctic research facility and pursued by a mysterious alien agent, Venom is headed to civilization. Hungry and craving adrenaline, Venom sets his sights on a tasty little snack - a short, hairy Canadian guy with a bad temper…

32 pages, $2.25.

(* New artist Paco Medina. New story arc two issues)

(* Guest-starring Wolverine.)

(* Issue #6 features a special metallic ink on black cover. Issue #7 is standard.)

MYSTIQUE #7 & 8

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, penciled by Michael Ryan, covers by Adrian Alphona and Greg Horn.

"Tinker, Tailor, Mutant, Spy," pts. 1 and 2 of 3. Mystique's new assignment from Xavier is to track down a possible new biological weapon: mutant anthrax that spreads telepathically. But Mystique is getting restless following Xavier's orders… and he might not be the only boss she's working for these days…

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New story arc. Two issues.)

(* Issue #7 features a special metallic ink on black cover. Issue #8 is standard.)

RUNAWAYS #7

Written by Brian K. Vaughan, cover and pencils by Adrian Alphona.

"Teenage Wasteland" pt. 1 of 4. Still on the run from their super-villain parents, this motley crew of superpowered kids finds a kindred spirit in a daring young stranger.

32 pages, $2.50.

(* New story arc. Featuring a special metallic ink on black cover.)

SENTINEL #7 & 8

Written by Sean McKeever, covers and pencils by UDON.

"No Hero," pts. 1 and 2 of 3. In the aftermath of the events of the first story arc, Juston must decide his next move. But has the Marvel Universe given birth to a new hero ... or to a monster?

32 pages, $2.50.

(* New story arc. Two issues in October.)

(* Issue #7 features a special metallic ink on black cover. Issue #8 is standard.)

NAMOR #7 & 8

Written by Andi Watson and Bill Jemas, pencils by Pat Olliffe, covers by Salvador Larroca and Greg Horn.

New artists Pat Olliffe and John Livesay illustrate the mounting culture clash between Atlantis and the landlubbers, with star-crossed lovers Sandy and Prince Namor caught in the middle.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New story arc. Two issues in October.)

(* Issue #7 features a special metallic ink on black cover. Issue #8 is standard.)

HUMAN TORCH #7

Written by Karl Kesel, cover and pencils by Skottie Young.

"Out," pt. 1 of 2. It's the scoop of the century when a Hollywood tabloid drags Johnny Storm out of the closet. The only problem is, Johnny isn't gay …

32 pages, $2.50.

( * New story arc.)

(* Featuring a special metallic ink on black cover.)

MARVEL KNIGHTS TITLES

HULK: GRAY #1 & 2

Written by Jeph Loeb, cardstock covers and art by Tim Sale.

The creative team of Daredevil: Yellow and Spider-Man Blue create another of their "Marvel Spectrum" stories - a tale of the Incredible Hulk before he was even green.

32 pages, $3.50.

( * Loeb and Sale "color" The Hulk.)

(* Check out the seven-page preview in August's Wizard #144).

MARVEL 1602 #3

Written by Neil Gaiman, art by Andy Kubert and Richard Isanove, cardstock cover by Scott McKowen.

Matthew Murdoch continues to make his way across Europe to get the mysterious Templar treasure that Dr. Strange thinks will give him the key to the mysterious weather changes. But can he get to it before Otto Von Doom? And what does the first American-born child, Virginia Dare, have to do with it all?

32 pages, $3.50.

( * The mini-series event of the year.)

PUNISHER #33 & 34

Written by Garth Ennis, pencils by John McCrea, covers by Tim Bradstreeet.

"Confederacy of Dunces," pts. 1 and 2 of 5. It might be The Punisher's final hour as Daredevil, Spider-Man and Wolverine team up to bring Frank Castle's killing spree to an end. And what does the Hulk have to do with it all?

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New story arc, two big issues.)

(* The Punisher kills the Marvel Universe…again?)

DAREDEVIL #53

Written, painted and cover by David Mack.

Echo goes on a Native American vision quest to pick up the pieces of her life. Her whole life was defined by her misconception of the Kingpin as a hero and Daredevil as a villain. Can she get her world back in order? Part 3 of a 5-issue arc by guest-creator David Mack.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Guest-starring Wolverine.)

(* Echo returns.)

CAPTAIN AMERICA #19

Written by Dave Gibbons, penciled by Lee Weeks, cover by Gene Ha.

"Captain America Lives Again," pt. 3 of 4. Captain America (with assistance from the FF, the Avengers, the Punisher, Daredevil, and many other classic Marvel characters) fights the world-domineering Nazis in a strange new reality. Can Cap set the world right again?

32 pages, $2.99.

ELEKTRA #28

Written by Robert Rodi, penciled by Sean Chen, cover by Mike Mayhew.

In a high-rise over the city, three corporate bosses meet for drinks and dinner to talk golf, fine cigars, finer women, and the unsavory business of controlling the world, never expecting the tables are about to be turned…

32 pages, $2.99.

(*Stand-alone story.)

MAX TITLES

SUPREME POWER #3

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, cover and pencils by Gary Frank.

When reports of a secretive government project "Hyperion" begin to surface in shadowy circles, investigative reporter Jason Scott starts to see a connection. And when he tracks down a woman who swears that she and her husband found a baby who crash-landed a spaceship in a cornfield, he thinks he has found the key. What will the government do if he uncovers their secret super hero? Will they let Jason continue to uncover details … or will they silence him?

32 pages, $2.99.

(* New MAX ongoing series)

THOR: VIKINGS #4

Written by Garth Ennis, cover and pencils by Glenn Fabry.

Thor and Dr. Strange go back through time to gather a force to face the Zombie Vikings.

32 pages, $3.50.

ALIAS #27

Written by Brian Michael Bendis, penciled by Michael Gaydos, cover by David Mack.

"Purple," pt. 4 of 6. Jessica finally comes face-to-face with the face of evil that changed her life forever. A gut-wrenching last page that will have fans talking.

32 pages, $2.99.

(* Who is the Hannibal Lecter of the Marvel Universe?)

THE ETERNAL #5

Written by Chuck Austen, cover and pencils by Kev Walker.

The final confrontation between Eternals and Celestials grows closer.

32 pages, $2.99.

EPIC TITLES

TROUBLE #4

Written by Mark Millar, penciled by Terry Dodson, photo cover.

Ben, May, Mary & Richard continue to deal with the ramifications of their summer flings, including the one decision no teenage girl wants to face.

32 pages, $2.99.

CRIMSON DYNAMO #3

Written by John Jackson Miller, cover and pencils by Steve Ellis.

Fun turns to terror for Gennady Gavrilov, who realizes he's responsible for the Crimson Dynamo's destructive rampage. The armor's already ruining his life … Can he stop it before it ends someone else's?

32 pages, $2.50.

GUN THEORY #3

Written by Daniel Way, cover and pencils by Jon Proctor.

The phone rings, and killer-for-hire Harvey embarks on another hit. But nothing's going right this job. There's little room for error in the business of killing - so what happens when one occurs?

32 pages, $2.50.

(*An Epic limited series.)